And welcome, dear readers, to another Friday!
Technology seems to be conspiring against us today at the Library, so in the interest of sharing these great titles with you, let’s get right to the books that have galloped up onto our shelves this week–come on in and check them out soon!
The Spaceman of Bohemia: There are some books that happen along that, quite literally, defy description. Jaroslav Kalfar’s debut novel is one of them. But I would argue it makes for a more entertaining and thought-provoking read, when you quite literally have no idea what is going to happen next. Orphaned as a boy, raised in the Czech countryside by his doting grandparents, Jakub Procházka has risen from small-time scientist to become the country’s first astronaut. When a dangerous solo mission to Venus offers him both the chance at heroism he’s dreamt of, and a way to atone for his father’s sins as a Communist informer, he ventures boldly into the vast unknown. Alone in Deep Space, Jakub discovers a possibly imaginary giant alien spider, who becomes his unlikely companion. Over philosophical conversations about the nature of love, life and death, and the deliciousness of bacon, the pair form an intense and emotional bond. For all that this might seem like a highly theoretical book, it’s actually really charming, surprisingly light, funny, and empathetic, and clever, and a definite must-read for anyone who thinks there is nothing new under the Sun (or near Venus). RT Book Reviews agreed, having given this book a Top Pick status and saying in their review, “Kalfar’s novel is a work of beautiful contradictions: Though simple in its structure and gently playful in its narrative, Kalfar manages some remarkably complex connections with searing insight and disarming honesty…Remarkably, all of these contradictions combine into a surprising, thought-provoking whole that is wry, poignant and wholly unique.”
The Lawrence Browne Affair: Late last year, Avon Books became the first major publisher to put out a male-male romance…and a male-male historical romance, at that. Now, Cat Sebastian returns with her second book about two heroes defying conventions (and the law) in their quest for true love. Lawrence Browne, the Earl of Radnor, is mad. At least, that’s what he and most of the village believes. A brilliant scientist, he hides himself away in his family’s crumbling estate, unwilling to venture into the outside world. When an annoyingly handsome man arrives at Penkellis, claiming to be Lawrence’s new secretary, his carefully planned world is turned upside down. Georgie Turner is a swindler and con man who has fled to the wilds of Cornwall for his own safety. Pretending to be a secretary should be easy, but he doesn’t expect that the only madness he finds is the one he has for the gorgeous earl. Sebastian’s love stories are just plain good romances, with believable characters (with real problems, not just, you know, issues), and sensational chemistry. Library Journal agrees, giving this book a starred review and cheering “Sebasitan has crafted an epic romance in which Lawrence and Georgie share incredible chemistry. Profoundly romantic and highly recommended.”
Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and Its War: James Wright is a history professor as well as a veterans’ rights advocate, and in this book, he puts those two identities together to create a timely and engaging story about a conflict that changed the way the American public thought about violence, service, duty, and its place in the world. The Vietnam War is largely recalled as a mistake, either in the decision to engage there or in the nature of the engagement. Or both. Veterans of the war remain largely anonymous figures, accomplices in the mistake. Critically recounting the steps that led to the war, James Wright’s book does not excuse the mistakes, but it details the experiences of those who served, and recounts the experiences of the families who grieved those who did not return. The work has received praise from military officials, veterans, and critics alike, with Publisher’s Weekly praising “Wright’s worthy effort is a tribute to Americans who saw the worst that the Vietnam War offered, combined with a broad look at the domestic and geopolitical factors that led to the U.S. getting involved in the long, controversial conflict.”
Mister Mystery: Looking to get away from things for a little while? How about an escape to Paris at the end of the 19th century? This sensational mystery is the perfect get-away for armchair adventurers and time-travelers alike! In Paris in the year 1899, Marcel Després is arrested for the murder of his wife and transferred to the famous Salpetriere Asylum. And there the story might have stopped. But the doctor assigned to his care soon realizes this is no ordinary patient: Marcel Després is a man who cannot forget. And the policeman assigned to his case soon realizes that something else is at stake: For why else would the criminal have been hurried off to hospital, and why are his superiors so keen for the whole affair to be closed? This crime involves something bigger and stranger than a lovers’ fight, something with links to the highest and lowest establishments in France—but the answers lie inside Marcel’s head. And how can he tell what is significant when he remembers every detail of every moment of his entire life? This is not only a fascinating mystery, but a really interesting study of 19th-century psychology, criminology, and society overall. Publisher’s Weekly loved this book, too, giving it a starred review and saying “Fin de siècle Paris provides the backdrop for this outstanding thriller…Sedgwick thoughtfully explores fundamental questions about the relationship of memory and identity.”
Border Child: Michel Stone’s beautifully crafted novel is both an insightful tale of family and an unflinching consideration of the perils of immigration in today’s current political climate. Young lovers Héctor and Lilia dreamed of a brighter future for their family in the United States. Héctor left Mexico first, to secure work and housing, but when Lilia, desperate to be with Héctor, impetuously crossed the border with their infant daughter, Alejandra, mother and child were separated. Alejandra disappeared. Now, four years later, the family has a chance to reunite in Mexico, where they try to reclaim a semblance of normal life, with a toddler son and another baby on the way. Then they receive an unexpected tip that might lead them to Alejandra, and both agree they must seize this chance, whatever the cost. This tale doesn’t look at politics or grand scale issues, but rather focuses on a small group of finely-wrought characters in whom readers can utterly empathize. The result is a story that Kirkus Review calls “A gripping and politically savvy look at the human impact of current immigration policy and an honest examination of the perils facing desperate immigrants as they travel north.”
Until next week, beloved patrons, happy reading!